The Beatles' Ringo Starr has finally explained the reason behind his autograph ban.

The 69-year-old drummer posted a video on his official website in October 2008 under the title 'Sorry, No More Signing Stuff' where he warned fans that he had “too much to do” and any request for his signature would be “tossed.”

Speaking to Terry Wogan on Radio 2 yesterday, Starr said he banned autographs to stop them appearing on eBay.

"I was signing and then they were on eBay the next day. So I just decided, I think I've done my share. That's it," he explained.

Starr added that he had written “millions” of autographs over the decades and didn't expect the huge reaction to his video.

"I honestly didn't think it was going to be world news - BBC and CNN,” he laughed.

(by Scott Colothan)